Cultivating Christ’s Presence in Our Congregation

January 2019 Volume 17, Issue 1

CULTIVATOR

With the backdrops of the new nativity made from Israeli olive wood and the sanctuary’s stained-

glass window depicting the birth of Jesus, our youth and children created a living nativity on

Sunday, December 23. The sanctuary was filled with adorable kids costumed as shepherds, wise

men, angels, animals found in the manger and, of course, Mary and Joseph. Youth read Scriptures telling of the birth. Our scholarship choir students presentation of Mary, Did You Know was part of

the joyful musical fusion of our traditional worship and fellowship worship services.

Please turn to page 5 for more celebrations of the Advent season.

THE Reason For The Season

T his is a story of family ties, acting on God’s opportunities, and living out our church mission statement. Traditional Worship Director David Corman’s son, Cpl. Andrew Corman is the Midland-Odessa

coordinator for the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys For Tots program. Andrew told his father that after all of the local initial requests for toys had been filled, there were many boxes of toys that would be taken to the Lubbock distribution center. Not wanting to miss the chance to help others, David quickly went into action, beginning with our church walls. Some of our Children’s Center families and staff received toys. Our partnership with Cavazos Elementary meant families connected with that school had a little brighter Christmas. Our connection with Mackey Chapel lead to conversations with the Odessa Ministerial Alliance…which lead to providing toys for two homeless families in Family Promise, which lead to local

churches distributing toys to hundreds of kids who might not have had a joyful Christmas morning. All of this transpired in a matter of days the week before Christmas. Ask David how many pickup truck loads of boxes he delivered! These details provide the short-term result. The long-term result is that our church will now act as the storage facility of

Toys For Tots and provide a larger distribution network as we live our mission to make a difference in our church, our community and our world.

Church Council members display some of the toys.

. . .To LOVE others, INVITE them to jo in us as we FOLLOW Christ...

...who Empowers us to make a difference in our church, our community and our world.

We exis t for LIFE . . .

Pastor Todd, Cpl. Andrew Corman, Pastor Todd, Cpl. Andrew Corman, Pastor Todd, Cpl. Andrew Corman, David Corman talk Toys For TotsDavid Corman talk Toys For TotsDavid Corman talk Toys For Tots.

Boxes lined the church hallways Boxes lined the church hallways Boxes lined the church hallways awaiting distribution.awaiting distribution.awaiting distribution.

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ELEMENTARY THROUGH ADULT – Romans 2 of 2 Living Free In Christ

Part 2 of the study of the book of Romans outlines the practical results and benefits of being rescued from the bondage and penalty of sin. Christians can distinguish the various aspects of living in the manner God desires for those who are in Christ.

January 6 January 13 January 20 January 27

Living In The Spirit Transformed Living Submissive Living Selfless Living

Romans 8: 1-39 Romans 12: 1-21 Romans 13: 1-14 Romans 14: 1– 15:7

PRESCHOOL – I Can Obey God

Students will be challenged to consider the truth I Can Obey God as they examine biblical accounts of followers of God. Students will be encouraged to identify and practice choices that exhibit obedience to the Lord and His ways.

D6 Sunday School Studies for January 2019

Jack Carney Senior at Odessa High School.

Involved in Orchestra; is an Eagle Scout, active in our church’s Boy Scout Troop 91, participating in many community service projects. Favorite animal: dogs Future Plans: Joining the Navy. Involvement at 1

st-

UMC: Volunteered for VBS; has attended youth group for 2 years; has gone to camp; and mission trip at Port Aransas. Has served as a usher, greeter, and

communion. 2018 Port Aransas Mission Trip: “It was a lot of fun hanging out with the youth group in Port Aransas. We worked hard, bonded closer together and met a lot of interesting people.” Favorite youth group moment: "I really like the youth group here. I’ve made a lot of close friends and I like learning about God.”

How is God working in your life? “I’m having a better relationship with my dad.”

Family Ministry Director Caleb Eckel wants the congregation to know the fabulous students active in Echo Student Ministry. This month’s student is Jack Carney.

Jack Carney is pictured having fun at the Corpus Christi aquarium during the 2018 Mission trip to Port Aransas.

Christmas caroling was yet another way our Youth celebrated the holiday season. They are shown here bringing Christmas cheer to Parks Retirement Village residents, Clarice Claiborne and Genelle Thompson.

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HAPPY AND JOYOUS NEW YEAR! We are thankful for the teams of loving leaders that God calls to serve at FUMC and outside of the church walls and into the cities. This past year in my readings I have come to embrace a newer more apostolic definition of leadership, “energizing a community of people towards their own transformation in order to accomplish a shared mission in face of a changing world.” (Canoeing the Mountains, Tod Bolsinger) The power within this style of leadership is that it is relational and adaptive. FUMC is beyond blessed with the lineage of leaders that have and currently are serving the Church. (Below are the 2019 Lay Leaders.) It is amazing to see the fruits of the labors of the harvest that began over 100 years ago. Our challenge today is to keep planting seeds of love and faith for the Kingdom of God. This is why each church needs all people to live out their discipleship by serving at the church and outside of the church. Absolutely, we are to connect with others and grow in the God’s Word. Yet we are also called to serve in the church and go outside of the church (on mission) to connect with the unchurched. When we begin to build that relationship with them we proclaim the Good News of the Gospel by serving them and growing with them in God’s Word. This is healthy discipleship.

Is serving and going on mission risk-taking? Yes. Is it scary? Can be. Is self-less? Absolutely. Can you do this? Yes, but not alone! This is why we equip the saints and develop leaders. The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church leaves no doubt as to the “priesthood of all believers.” Paragraph 134 in the Book of Discipline states, “The United Methodist tradition has recognized that laypersons as well as ordained persons are gifted and called by God to lead the Church.” Many people are an essential part of leadership at FUMC. They partner with the pastors to be advocates for the laity at FUMC. Ultimately, we all need to keep in mind that in all that we do, we need to: 1. Keep Jesus Christ at the center 2. Make disciples of Jesus Christ 3. Develop lay leadership I am excited to be in ministry and leadership with FUMC. I pray that God will equip us for this ministry and give us wisdom to perceive His will. I have no doubt that God will bless us as we work for his Kingdom together. Yours in Christ, Karin Carlson, Associate Pastor

2019 LAY LEADERSHIP Church Council Chair Barbara Browning; Lay Leader-Betsy Triplett-Hurt; Leaders- Susie Schnaubert, Nancy Stewart, Ann Moore, Larry Hackleman, Larry Melton, Mike Forrest, Connie Nichols. BUILDING TRUSTEES: Brett Emerson, Scott Coulter, Brad Watts, Colby Brazile, Dan Ferguson, Danny Pool, Gabe Grewell, Gary Sims, Chas Weatherby. STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE: Cindy Fowler, William Stewart, Terri Woodward, Tammy Hawkins, Gary Leathers, Jo Forrest, Craig Van Amburgh, Connie Grewell, Larry Johnson FINANCE COMMITTEE: Josh Stumpner, Judy Hayes, Dan Brazelton, Kevin Wilson, Gary Moore, Jim Brown, Clyde Shugart, Glenda Adams, Nancy Sims NOMINATION & LAY LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE: Julie Brown, Danny Schnaubert, Sara Dyrstad, Mary Ann Miles, Tricia Elrod, Tyson Voigt ANNUAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES for 2019 Jody Wallin, Connie Grewell, Joni Vincent

LEADERSHIP: Blessed Are The Flexible and Focused

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Family Advent Night was a great kick off to the Christmas

season ! Everyone had n wonderful time decorating Christmas cookies, making Christmas ornaments, and

playing games with each other… And let’s not forget about the

awesome chili cook off and mac and cheese throw down

(Yummy)!!!

Spot Light Children’s Ministry: Our wonderful and

lovely ladies at FUMC, we greatly appreciate their helping

hands with the children’s ministry. Thank you for helping

children understand the Word of God, all of your help has

made a huge impact in the children’s ministry, thank you for your commitment and dedication

to the children

1st-UMC family and friends had an awesome time serving

the Odessa community by passing out hot chocolate, and

candy canes at the Lighted Christmas Parade. The children

had the opportunity to greet individuals and invite them to

fellowship with us in the future! Once the parade began we all sat down and enjoyed the evening as

a church family. The Children’s Family Ministry

is looking forward to more opportunities in 2019 to serve our

community.— Melanie Taylor, Asst. Family Minister Director

Celebrating The Season

The photo backdrop was a big success at Family Advent Night. Youth and Children Ministry staff are seen posing for group pics. Kids also handed out hot chocolate to warm Christmas Parade watchers.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE on December 11 was special worship service

to remember the sadness, sorrow, pain and grief that

can be a part of this holiday season. The candles of

this candle light service serve as petitions to God

for loved ones who are no longer with us.

Many 1st-UMC families participated in the lighting of the Advent Candles during the four weeks of Advent.

Photos Above: 1. Our choir students sing Mary, Did You Know. 2. Our youth read scriptures 3. Violins, drums, guitars and our Steinway piano

make joyful music

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Many 1st-UMC families participated in the lighting of the Advent Candles during the four weeks of Advent.

Angels lead the shepherd to the Christ child during the Children’s Christmas Pageant on December 23. The children of the church participated in this wonderful Christmas pageant at both services.

Photos Above: 1. Our choir students sing Mary, Did You Know. 2. Our youth read scriptures 3. Violins, drums, guitars and our Steinway piano

make joyful music

So...How adorable are our Christmas Pageant cast members? Very adorable.

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All the children who attended the service were invited to participate in the Christmas Pageant.

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The Spice of Life group met on Thursday, Dec. 20. We had a wonderful turnout with about 40 in attendance!

Russell Kimble and Debra and Steve Meador prepared a wonderful, home-made, Christmas dinner complete with beautiful decorations compliments of Marsha Melton. Thank you all so very much. We are truly blessed. Our program was given by our illustrious choral director, David Corman. We were blessed by

his wonderful spirit and talent. He truly gave us a wonderful Christmas present by blessing us with his presence and talent. If you haven’t come to Spice of Life in a while (or maybe ever), we hope you will come join us next month. You will enjoy the food and fellowship and be glad you came. We always meet on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 – 1:00. Blessings to you all, Jody Wallin, Congregational Care Pastor

Eleanor Eckel attends her first worship

service on Sunday, December 23 to watch the Christmas Pageant.

She is held by her proud mother, Becky.

Her proud daddy is Family Ministry

Director Caleb, who was co-directing the Christmas Pageant. Becky’s parents are

seated by Eleanor. She was born December 10.

Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last, aka J.O.Y. Bible study celebrated the season with a J.O.Y.-ful gift exchange of items expressing J.O.Y. Lynn Correa hosted (standing: Kay Whitefield, Mary Jane Smith, Marty Farris. Seated, Betsy Triplett-Hurt, Lynn Correa, Toni Pettit, and Joy White.

Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 6 | 9:30-11:00am

Parks Senior Living, Club House

Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 6 | 6:00- 7:30pm Room B5

Books $14

DISCIPLE 3 FAST TRACK: REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE

SPRING 2019 ADULT BIBLE STUDY

Jody with December birthday boy, Joe Moss.

Christmas Celebrations

United Methodist Women enjoy great food and beautiful table decorations, Thursday, December 13.

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In Memory of Gloria Lambert

Given by Barbara & Rick Browning

Betty Love Michael & Dana Ashton

Hugh & Johnnie Williams Stephanie & John Latimer Kay & Doug Whitefield

Doris Mason

In Memory of Eileen Hinds

Given by Grace King

Children’s Clothes Closet

In Memory of Sara Bennie

Given by Jim & Julie Brown

Dan & Robbie Brazelton

In Memory of Gloria Lambert

Given by Dan & Robble Brazelton

Randy & Lynn Correa

In Memory of Charle Scott

Given by Randy & Lynn Correa

In Memory of

Grover Beakley Given by

Randy & Lynn Correa

Stephen Ministry In Memory of

Gloria Lambert Given by

Jim & Julie Brown

Samaritans By Grace In Memory of

Gloria Lambert Given by

Fredda Black

Honorariums In Honor of

Joel V. Roberts Given by

Judy Hayes

In Honor of Judy Hayes

Given by Joel V. Roberts

In Honor of

2018 Church Council Given by

Barbara & Rick Browning

Food Pantry In Honor of

Buddy & Sue McDonald Given by Jane & Art Scharlach

In Honor of

Mr. & Mrs. Jim Brown Mr. & Mrs. Dan Brazelton Mr. & Mrs. Bob Murray

Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Hawkins Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Pipes

Given by Barbara & Rick Browning

Memorials

In January, FUMC and UTPB will sponsor a children's opera, "The Three Little Pigs". ECISD will bus every second grader in the district (approx. 2500 students) for six performances in the FUMC sanctuary on Thursday and Friday January 24 and 25. There will also be a public matinee performance on Saturday, January 26 at 2:00pm. I wrote the comic libretto (in English) to the music of Mozart, and it is 45 minutes in length. It will feature the UTPB Vocal Ensemble and Karen Eychaner on

piano. I will conduct and direct the production. Billy Baker, a former

member of FUMC choir will be the Technical Director. Several students in our college scholarship program have roles in the opera: Emily West (Stick Pig), Deyanira Carrasco (Mama Pig), Destinee Altier (Brick Pig), Jacob Corman (Big Bad Wolf), Isaac Torres (Opera Wolf), and Ben Corman (Opera Wolf). Come out to the public performance on the Saturday, January 26 for a peak back to your childhood and a good laugh! — David Corman, Director of Traditional Worship

Choir Notes

NON-PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 43

ODESSA, TEXAS

79761

RETURN SERVICE

REQUESTED

First United Methodist Church, Odessa, Texas, founded in 1890, is a community of Christians who have pledged to support this church with their presence, their service, their gifts and their prayers. We dedicate ourselves to spreading God’s Word throughout our community and to providing meaningful worship experiences, fellowship, and opportunities to fulfill the teachings of Jesus Christ through a variety of ministries. As United Methodists, “our doors, our hearts and our minds are open to all those who seek God’s Grace.” The CULTIVATOR is a monthly publication whose exclusive purpose is to help FUMC-Odessa accomplish its Mission by communicating and “cultivating the presence of Christ in the lives of this congregation.

Bring A Friend This Sunday

8:00 AM

Adult Bible Class

9:00 AM Traditional Worship —Sanctuary

10:00 AM

Sunday School, all ages

10:16 AM The Bridge Worship, —3901 E. Yukon

11:00 AM Fellowship Worship —Fellowship Center

First United Methodist Church-Odessa Mission Statement

We exist for LIFE… To Love others, Invite them to join us as we Follow

Christ, who Empowers us to make a difference.

415 N Lee Street Odessa TX 79761

M en’s Wild Game Dinner 2019 is

lining up to be another great outreach event, geared primarily for males, but is truly for anyone who loves the outdoors. A variety of wild game is the basis for the menu and a big reason many people attend. Drawings for hunting paraphernalia is another big attraction. However, the overall lure of the event is the opportunity to hang-out with the guys. Outdoorsman Pastor Todd Salzwedel will be right at home as the Master of Ceremonies. The featured speaker is a representative of the nationally recognized conservation group, The Texas Brigades. The Texas Brigades’ mission is to educate and empower youth with leadership skills and knowledge in wildlife, fisheries, and land stewardship to become conservation ambassadors for a sustained natural resource legacy.

The Texas Brigades is a combination of educational programs, including eight summer camps: Bobwhite Brigade (quail), Buckskin Brigade (deer), Bass Brigade, Waterfowl Brigade (ducks and geese), Ranch Brigade (cattle), and Coastal

Brigade (marine life). The importance of this program is represented by its cooperating partners, including Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Wildlife Association Foundation, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. The Texas Brigades program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please go to the website, www.texasbrigades.org to learn more about this important program. It’s easy to register for the Wild Game Dinner 2019. Either call the office at 337-1527 or use the church’s website, fumcodessa.org.

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